Comedian Helen Lederer became a national figure of fun after an undignified belly-flop on the reality diving show Splash!

But she says the experience has made her reassess her career and inspired her to launch a new one-woman show — exploring the meaning of life — in the West End.

Lederer, probably best known as Catriona in Absolutely Fabulous, was eliminated in the first episode of the ITV series in January.

She was so terrified that she had to be coaxed into making her first jump by the host, Olympic medallist Tom Daley, only to find herself the butt of cruel jibes from television critics.

The comic, 58, said: “I was on the diving board, not wanting to dive. I thought, ‘The whole reason is for money. Is that what I’ve amounted to? What is the point of everything?’ I was recognised later by Ian Hislop, who said hello to me after seeing me on the show, and I thought, ‘Is that the point? Is recognition from your peers the point?’ ”

She added: “I agreed to do the show as I’d never done a reality show before. I had about two hours to make the decision and, extraordinarily, I passed the medical. I have no regrets — I took the cheque. I was depressed at the thought that I had to do it to get partial recognition and funds.”

In her new show, Why The Fuss?, Lederer will try to uncover the meaning of life with the help of celebrity guests and the audience at the St James Theatre in Victoria on May 9 and June 6.